Season 3:
Mushroom Kingdom

Season 3 of RuPaul's Fantasy Drag Race is considered to be the first "modern" season.  This was the first season to air actual episodes on TikTok.  It is known for producing multiple series icons, and its impact can be felt in each following season.

Iconic Moments

🍄 Mario's Early Elimination

The season kicked off with a shocking elimination that left fans speechless: Mario, the Mushroom Kingdom's most famous plumber, was sent packing in the second episode after a disappointing performance in the improv challenge and a lackluster lip-sync against his brother, Luigi. Fans were stunned to see the iconic hero sashay away so early, especially after Waluigi's first out the previous week. Mario's elimination set the tone for a season full of twists and turns, proving that no queen was safe.

Luigi: A Lipsync Legend is Born 💚

While Mario faltered, his brother Luigi emerged as a true Drag Race icon. Luigi found himself lip-syncing for his life a record-breaking five times throughout the season, earning the title of the series' first true "Lipsync Legend". Fans were captivated by his underdog story and his ability to deliver show-stopping performances when the pressure was on. He even scored a double shantay with Bowser in his third lip-sync, a highly unorthodox twist that kept both queens in the competition. Luigi's iconic run finally came to an end when he lost a lip-sync to Peach, but his legacy as a fierce and entertaining performer cemented his place in Drag Race herstory.

🔥 Bowser and the "Favoritism" Controversy

Bowser's journey on Drag Race was nothing short of a rollercoaster. While he had his share of highs, including three challenge wins, he also landed in the bottom once while caught in a low streak. What really fueled the Bowser discourse was his double shantay with Luigi and the subsequent times he was spared from being in the bottom. This led to allegations of favoritism from the judges, a sentiment echoed by some of the other queens, particularly Birdo, who expressed frustration at Bowser's continued presence in the competition. To this day, fans debate whether Bowser's run was truly earned or the result of production interference.

"RuPaul's Amazing Race" Takes on New Donk City 🏙️

The queens traded their high heels for running shoes in the "Amazing Race" challenge, a high-octane scavenger hunt through the bustling metropolis of New Donk City. The queens were split into teams and faced a series of mental and physical challenges, testing their teamwork, navigation skills, and quick thinking. This challenge brought plenty of laughs and drama as the queens raced against the clock, providing viewers with a welcome change of pace from the usual werkroom shenanigans.

🦕 Yoshi's First Lipsync and Redemption Arc

Yoshi's Drag Race journey began with a stumble, landing in the bottom two after the first design challenge. However, Yoshi turned that early setback into fuel for a fierce redemption arc. He went on to win two challenges and eliminate three queens, proving that an early lip-sync doesn't have to be a death sentence. Yoshi's positive attitude and infectious energy made him a fan favorite, showcasing the power of resilience and a never-give-up spirit.

The Peach vs. Daisy Double Shantay Showdown 👑

The "Ultimate Impersonation Pageant" episode brought one of the season's most memorable moments: the double shantay of Peach and Daisy. After landing in the bottom two, these fierce flower princesses faced off in a lip-sync battle to Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" that left the judges gagged. The energy was electric, the moves were sharp, and the charisma was undeniable. RuPaul couldn't choose between the two, declaring a double shantay and giving both queens another shot at the crown.

🩵 Rosalina: Untouchable and Unforgettable

Rosalina's run on Season 3 was nothing short of legendary. She made Drag Race herstory by becoming the first queen to never place below safe. Her consistently strong performances in the challenges, along with her three challenge wins, made her a force to be reckoned with. Rosalina's runway looks were always polished and glamorous, further solidifying her as a top contender. She ultimately won the crown against Peach, her untouchable track record and undeniable talent securing her place as a true Drag Race legend.

the queens of season 3

Track Records

Challenge & Runway Points

12th Place: Waluigi

PPE: 0.00  CPE: 0.00  RPE: 2.00 TPPE: 1.00
ELIM

Wins: None
Bottoms: Paired performance
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Yoshi

Lipsyncs:

Waluigi serves as the Porkchop of Season 3, barely getting off the ground.  Paired with Yoshi for the opening performance challenge, their team chose to attempt a surrealist comedy sketch.  This did not pan out well, resulting in Waluigi's early downfall.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"Well, looks like I'm the one sashaying away tonight," he says, giving a little bow. 

"But don't worry, I'll be back to haunt you all in your nightmares. And when I do, I'll be wearing my best wig and the fiercest pair of heels you've ever seen. Farewell, my queens! I'll see you on the other side." 


To my remaining competitors, I just want to say that it's been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this competition with you all, but unfortunately, my time here has come to an end. So I'll just leave you all with a little bit of advice: keep your wigs glued, your makeup on point, and your shade sharp. And remember, no one messes with Waluigi and gets away with it.

11th Place: Mario

PPE: 1.00  CPE: 0.00  RPE: 3.00 TPPE: 1.50
LOW - ELIM

Wins: None
Bottoms:  Improv comedy
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Luigi

Lipsyncs:

Mario was the ultimate flopstar of Season 3.  His poor performances were a shock to fans given his fame in the Mushroom Kingdom.  In a moment of pure drama, Mario was eliminated by his own brother before he had a chance to show anything substantial.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"Well, it's been a wild ride, but I guess all good things must come to an end. Time to go back to saving the Mushroom Kingdom. But don't worry, I'll always be cheering y'all on from the stands!"


Don't let the competition get in the way of your friendships. Always support and lift each other up, no matter what. And always remember, it's all just a game in the end. Love, Mario

10th Place: Toad

PPE: 2.67  CPE: 3.00  RPE: 0.25 TPPE: 1.63
HIGH - HIGH - ELIM

✰ MISS CONGENIALITY ✰

Wins: None
Bottoms:  Amazing race
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Birdo

Lipsyncs:

Toad had a strong start this season, his journey cut short when he and his teammate Birdo flopped the Amazing Race challenge through New Donk City.  Despite his short run, he left quite a mark on his castmates, earning the title of Miss Congeniality in a tight race between himself and Luigi.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"Well, that's all she wrote. Time to hop to it."


I'm so proud of how far I've come and I'm grateful for the experience. To all the remaining queens, don't let anyone else tell you that you can't do it. Keep pushing and stay true to yourself. Love, Toad.

9th Place: Wario

PPE: 2.25  CPE: 2.00  RPE: 1.40 TPPE: 1.70
LOW - SAFE - HIGH - ELIM

Wins: None
Bottoms:  Ball
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Luigi

Lipsyncs:

Truly a filler queen if there ever was one, Wario was the ball-eliminee of the season.  His harsh reaction to his elimination left a sour taste in everyone's mouth.  His attitude went downhill after his good friend Waluigi went home first, and it only declined from there.  Given his mirror message, one wonders if we will ever see his return.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"I can't believe Ru sent me home instead of Bowser!  I've been killing it in this competition, and he gets to stay just because he's been doing well? That's bullshit! I'm the one who should be here, not him! This is total bullshit!"


You all better watch your backs. I'll be back to take what's mine.

8th Place: Birdo

PPE: 2.33  CPE: 1.00  RPE: 2.29 TPPE: 1.64
HIGH - SAFE - BTM 2 - SAFE - SAFE - ELIM

Wins: None
Bottoms:  Amazing race, Lipsync tournament
Queens eliminated: Toad
Eliminated by: Luigi

Lipsyncs:

Birdo was thee fan favorite of the season despite her mostly underwhelming performances.  Her vivacious personality left quite a mark on both her fellow competitors and fans alike.  When she fell into the bottom against the season's lipsync assassin, her story was all but finished.  The moment she sashayed away, fans knew this wouldn't be the last we would see of Miss Birdo.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

Well, I may not have won this competition, but at least I have something to tweet about for the rest of my life. #DragRace #Bottom2 #BreakTheIce #BritneySpears #LegendsOnly


I came into this competition with a fierce determination to show the world my unique brand of drag. While I may not have made it as far as I had hoped, I am so grateful for the experience and the friendships I've made. I'll always be a proud member of the #birdoarmy and I'll never stop chasing my dreams.

7th Place: Luigi

PPE: 1.57  CPE: -0.86  RPE: 2.06 TPPE: 0.60
LOW - BTM 2 - WIN - BTM 2 - BTM 2 - BTM 2 - ELIM

Wins: Amazing race
Bottoms:  Improv comedy, Ball, Snatch Game, Lipsync tournament, Design
Queens eliminated: Mario, Wario, Birdo
Eliminated by:  Peach

Lipsyncs:

Luigi holds one of the most iconic track records in RPFDR history.  He was the first queen to lipsync his way through the competition as far as he did.  His performances reached so-bad-they're-good levels of iconism, and his lipsyncs always left fans wanting more.   He is the series's first true Lipsync Legend, and he will always be remembered as such.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"I may not have been the best queen in this competition, but I gave it my all and I'm proud of that. And I just want to thank all of you for the amazing experience and the memories I'll never forget. So long, princesses. It's been a blast."


I can't believe it's already over for me. I came into this competition with such high hopes and I gave it my all every single week. I may not have won, but I am so grateful for the experience and the friendships I made along the way. I will always cherish the memories I made on this show and I will continue to work hard and hone my craft. Thank you to everyone who supported me and to RuPaul for giving me this incredible opportunity. Until we meet again, mamma Luigi out.

6th Place: Daisy

PPE: 2.56  CPE: 2.06  RPE: 2.05  TPPE: 2.05
LOW - LOW - SAFE - HIGH - HIGH - SAFE - HIGH - BTM 2 - ELIM

Wins: None
Bottoms:  Impersonation pageant, Kart race
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Yoshi

Lipsyncs:

Daisy was another fan favorite this season, and while she had a slew of high placements, she never was able to snatch that win. She served a couple iconic lipsyncs, beating Luigi during the lipsync tournament and earning a double sashay against Peach. Yoshi was her ultimate downfall, fans citing her middling track record as the reason for her elimination.  She is the definition of great at drag, okay at Drag Race.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"Well, I guess it's time to go back to the Mushroom Kingdom and get back to being just a plain old princess. But hey, at least I got to be a queen for a little while! See you all on the other side!"


Well, it's been a wild ride, but I'm so grateful for this experience. I've learned so much and made so many amazing memories. I may not have won the crown, but I'm leaving with a whole lot of love and respect for all of my sisters. I can't wait to see what the future holds for me and my career. I'm just getting started, and I have a feeling that the best is yet to come. Thank you, RuPaul, and all of my fellow queens for everything. You guys are the best. Love, Daisy.

5th Place: King Boo

PPE: 3.00  CPE: 2.90  RPE: 3.64  TPPE: 3.27
HIGH - SAFE - SAFE - SAFE - LOW - SAFE - HIGH -  WIN - SAFE - ELIM

Wins: Impersonation pageant
Bottoms: Acting
Queens eliminated: x
Eliminated by: Yoshi

Lipsyncs:

King Boo would have made a great "weak finalist" had he served better lipsyncs throughout the competition.  As Yoshi solidified himself as a lipsync assassing, King Boo proved that a safe track record isn't enough to save you if your hips do, in fact, lie.  Despite not making the finale, King Boo's solid performance throughout the season is fondly remembered.


Exit Line & Mirror Message:

"Well, it looks like I'm saying goodbye to this game, but at least I have my crown still intact. Bye, RuPaul! Adios, losers!"


Well, I guess I wasn't quite boo-tiful enough for the competition this time. But don't worry, I'll be back with a vengeance and a whole new level of spooky glamour. Watch out, because when I return, all the other queens better hide their ghostly tails.

3rd/4th Place: Bowser

PPE: 3.27  CPE: 2.09  RPE: 3.71  TPPE: 2.90
WIN - HIGH - HIGH - LOW - BTM 2 - LOW - LOW - SAFE - WIN - WIN - SAFE - TOP 4

Wins: Paired performance, Kart race, Acting
Bottoms: Snatch Game
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Peach

Lipsyncs:

Bowser is a divisive character on Season 3, as many fans believe him to be favored by production.  From the double sashay against Luigi early on, to two of his wins being shared, Bowser's rollercoaster track record may not totally stand on its own. Despite his dubious placement, Bowser is remembered for several iconic moments and always bringing the drama, as well as his iconic runway package.


Exit Line:

"You may have won this time, but watch out, because Bowser always comes back stronger and better than ever!

3rd/4th Place: Yoshi

PPE: 2.82  CPE: 2.26  RPE: 3.67  TPPE: 2.97
BTM 2 - WIN - SAFE - HIGH - SAFE - LOW - WIN - SAFE - BTM 2 - BTM 2 - SAFE - TOP 4

Wins: Improv comedy, Design
Bottoms:  Paired performance, Kart race
Queens eliminated:  Waluigi, Daisy, King Boo
Eliminated by: Rosalina

Lipsyncs:

Yoshi's trajectory this season was iconic in its own way.  One of Season 3's lipsync assassins, Yoshi proved that lipsyncing the first episode is not always a Drag Race death sentence.  Earning a couple wins and eliminating three queens, Yoshi's Drag Race journey is uniquely remembered by fans.  His positive attitude and natural aptitude for drag has fans clamoring for his return to the Main Stage.


Exit Line:

"This isn't the end for me. I'm going to keep working and growing, and you'll definitely see more of me in the future!"

2nd Place: Peach

PPE: 3.55  CPE: 3.44  RPE: 2.50  TPPE: 2.97
WIN - SAFE - WIN - SAFE - HIGH - WIN - BTM 2 - BTM 2 - SAFE - HIGH - WIN - TOP 4

Wins: Paired performance, Amazing race, Lipsync tournament
Bottoms: Design, Impersonation pageant
Queens eliminated:  Luigi
Eliminated by: Rosalina

Lipsyncs:

Peach, another fan favorite of this season, is remembered for her iconic performances and sophiticated, playful shade.  One of the many "what-ifs" of RPFDR, Peach easily could have been crowned the winner of this season.  Her strong performances, four challenge wins, and personality that oozes charisma and nerve all contribute to her status as a true icon if RPFDR history.

1st Place: Rosalina

PPE: 3.91  CPE: 3.73  RPE: 2.88  TPPE: 3.30
HIGH - SAFE - SAFE - WIN - WIN - HIGH - SAFE - HIGH - WIN - HIGH - SAFE - WIN

Wins: Ball, Snatch Game, Kart race
Bottoms:  None
Queens eliminated: Yoshi
Eliminated by: None

Lipsyncs:

Rosalina is remembered best for her untouchable performance in a season of icons.  Never falling below safe, Rosalina retrospectively is an obvious winner.  Despite her iconic performances, she flew slightly under the radar with her rather reserved personality.  Despite being a quieter voice in a loud room, her caliber of drag speaks for itself.  In RPFDR herstory, very few queens manage to evade the bottom all season, and Rosalina was the very first, setting a high bar for following winners' legacies.